Common Thinks He and the Black Community Failed Alleged R. Kelly Victims

Common is the latest celebrity to offer his opinion about R. Kelly following the three-night premiere of Surviving R. Kelly, which is a harrowing six-part docuseries about the singer's alleged abuse of women.

In an interview TMZ posted today (Jan. 8), the "Black Kennedy" rhymer blamed himself and the entire Black community for ignoring the alleged victims.

"Obviously, R. Kelly from everything we have seen and what we are hearing, he has some issues that has to be really, really be worked on—some deep and dark heavy issues,” he stated. “I’m not the one to judge him, but I’m not condoning that ever.”

“For the survivors, I feel a lot of compassion for them,” he continued. “We failed as a community because we knew that these things were happening and instead of trying to resolve the situation and free these young ladies, we were rocking to the music.”

“I’m guilty [myself],” he added. “I didn’t stop and speak out against it. R. Kelly is from my hometown...and I can’t condone that. We failed in our communities as black people. We should have been caring about [our young black girls].”

Common's remarks follows Master P's comments that the alleged victims' parents are the blame for allowing R. Kelly's abuse of girls go for so long.

"I don't know if R. Kelly did it or not, that ain't any of my business, I ain't judging, but I'm just saying those parents shouldn't have let that go that far," he said in an Instagram video. "If you got love for your kids, you are going to war behind your kids. You ain't doing no reality show."

Watch Common's statement about R. Kelly and pointing the blame at himself and the black community below.